How Safe are U.S. Rivers 50 Years after the Clean Water Act?
Millions of miles of U.S. rivers have dramatically improved in the half-century after the Clean Water Act, but climate change and other types of pollution still pose threats
SCOTUS Hears a Case with Broad Implications for the Clean Water Act
As the new term begins, the Supreme Court debates what wetlands should be protected under one of the EPA’s most successful and controversial efforts
A Growing Drinking Water Crisis Threatens American Cities and Towns
The Jackson, Miss., disaster rings alarm bells about myriad problems lurking in water systems across the country
Drastic Cuts to Colorado River Water Use Show Depth of West’s Drought
Cuts to states’ use of Colorado River water are needed to prevent levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell from dropping below a critical point
Ongoing Megadrought Puts the West in ‘Uncharted Waters’
Scientists say the current drought in the West is the region’s driest 22-year stretch in more than 1,200 years
See Delicate Rib Vortices Encircle Breaking Ocean Waves
These little-studied mini twisters form beautiful loops under the water’s surface
Skies Are Sucking More Water from the Land
Western states’ “atmospheric thirst” means more fires and strained water supplies
Coastal Cities Are Drinking Themselves Underwater
Cities are sinking as they guzzle groundwater—and oil and gas—from below
Little Snow Is Left in California, Setting Up a Dangerous Wildfire Season
As of April 1, statewide snowpack stood at just 38 percent of the average for that date
Where Rising Seas Threaten Drinking Water, Scientists Look for Affordable Solutions
Researchers are looking to identify areas facing saltwater intrusion on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts
Western ‘Megadrought’ Is the Worst in 1,200 Years
An exceptionally dry year in 2021 pushed the 22-year-long drought to the top of the record books
Mountain Glaciers Have Less Ice Than Previously Thought
Some communities may run out of fresh water faster than expected